Flood Risk in NYC, Pittsburgh, and Boston as Temperatures Rise and Rain Hits

Flood Risk in NYC, Pittsburgh, and Boston as Temperatures Rise and Rain Hits

Countless individuals in the Northeast are at risk of flooding due to swift snowmelt, exacerbated by rising temperatures and heavy rainfall.

Over 240 million individuals in the US are set to experience some respite from the recent frigid temperatures. However, residents and workers in the Northeast should be wary, as the anticipated rise in temperatures along with heavy rainfall this week has meteorologists worried about potential flooding from swift snowmelt.

December has kicked off with chilly conditions, but a significant shift is on the horizon for millions. Starting Sunday and Monday, temperatures are expected to soar, with highs climbing 10-15 degrees above the norm, marking a departure from the recent cooler weather.

Starting Monday, roughly 245 million individuals across the nation will experience a surge in milder temperatures, though this warm spell is expected to be short-lived.

These temperatures certainly don’t scream summer, so hold off on that beach trip for now.

Over 240 million individuals throughout the US are set to experience a reprieve from the recent frigid conditions. However, residents and workers in the Northeast should be wary, as the anticipated rise in temperatures combined with heavy rainfall this week raises alarms among forecasters about potential flooding from swift snowmelt.

Flood Risk in NYC, Pittsburgh, and Boston as Temperatures Rise and Rain Hits (1)
Image: Fox Weather

December has kicked off with chilly conditions, but a significant change is on the horizon for millions. Starting Sunday and Monday, temperatures are expected to soar, with highs jumping 10-15 degrees above the norm, marking a departure from the recent cool spell.

By Monday, approximately 245 million individuals across the nation will experience a rise in temperatures, though this warming trend will be short-lived.

These temperatures are far from summer-like, so hold off on that beach trip for now.

Despite the current warmth, a significant cold front is set to sweep through the area on Wednesday. The upcoming front is set to bring a significant drop in temperatures, serving as a stark reminder to many that winter is still very much with us, and spring has not yet arrived.

With a welcome shift in temperatures, many in the Northeast and New England are set to relish the brief warmth, while the forecast also brings promising rainfall to the area, particularly along the Interstate 95 corridor stretching from New York City to Providence, Rhode Island, and Boston.

This week, certain regions may experience significant rainfall, providing some relief from the prolonged drought that has contributed to wildfires in the area, although it won’t completely eliminate the drought conditions.

Flood Risk in NYC, Pittsburgh, and Boston as Temperatures Rise and Rain Hits (2)
Image: Fox Weather

Rain is anticipated to arrive Monday afternoon, but it will be brief compared to what is forecasted for later in the week.

An area of low pressure is making its way along the US-Canada border in the Midwest, and it’s set to merge with a surge of moisture that is contributing to a flood threat in the South.

Monday morning will see rain primarily impacting regions west of the I-95 corridor.

Areas such as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, West Virginia, are expected to require umbrellas at the beginning of the day.

As the afternoon progresses, expect more intense rainfall to arrive in the I-95 corridor, coinciding with the Monday evening commute.

In the western regions, particularly around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, the combination of rising temperatures and rainfall is likely to result in significant flooding due to swift snowmelt.

A significant wave of rain is anticipated by midweek, poised to affect the Northeast more profoundly.

Wednesday is anticipated to bring significant rainfall, with NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC) designating millions from Connecticut to Maine, including Boston, under a Level 2 out of 4 risk for flooding.

With the arrival of colder air following the cold front that brought Wednesday’s rainfall, some areas in the interior Northeast may experience a transition from rain to snow by Wednesday night. At this point, it’s premature to determine the exact locations of snowfall and the potential accumulation, given the moist ground conditions and rising temperatures leading up to the winter weather.

Reference

Alice Poole

Alice Poole

Alice Poole is a seasoned journalist who specializes in human interest topics and investigative reporting. With more than a decade of expertise, she is passionate about giving light on forgotten stories. When she is not writing, Alice enjoys exploring local art scenes and participating in community outreach projects.

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